Canberra might be the quiet achiever of Australia’s culinary capitals – but don’t let that fool you. Beneath the government buildings and clean-cut streets lies a food scene that’s playful, precise, and full of personality. From experimental fine dining to natural wine-fuelled neighbourhood gems, the capital’s chefs and restaurateurs are building cult favourites from scratch.
And when it comes to cool? We’re not talking about exclusivity or who’s who at the table next to you. We’re talking about energy. That certain glow when the lighting hits right, the playlist hits better, and the wine list feels like it was curated just for you. A place where the staff remember your order, or where the chef might slide you an off-menu treat just because.
So whether you're booking a table weeks in advance or wandering in on a whim, here’s our (non-exhaustive, definitely-not-definitive) guide to the best restaurants Canberra has to offer right now.
1. Pilot (Ainslie)
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Best for: True Blue playlists, giving back, booking ahead
Open: Wednesday–Sunday
Pilot isn’t just one of the best restaurants in Canberra – it’s a labour of love, built from the ground up by three mates who turned a wild idea in their twenties into a two-hatted institution. With a menu that champions delicious, playful food and an all-Australian drinks list (plus the occasional Bluey track on the speakers), dining here feels like visiting your most stylish friend’s dinner party. Drop in on a Thursday, BYO bottle in hand, and support a great cause while you're at it. (We'd recommend booking ahead, this one's popular.)
2. Such and Such (CBD)
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Best for: Spontaneous snacks, local wine, dinner with a twist
Open: Monday–Saturday
From the minds behind Pilot comes Such and Such – a spirited younger sibling with a flair for the unexpected. The menu leans generous and genre-less, changing with the seasons and whatever the chefs are excited about that week. Plates are made for sharing (or not), and the open kitchen keeps things personal. Expect Tuna tartare, fresh pasta, and a wine list brimming with Aussie gems.
3. Mu Omakase (CBD)
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Best for: Luxe date nights, watching the masters at work
Open: Tuesday–Saturday
At Mu, the omakase experience is equal parts theatre and craftsmanship. With just 10 seats at the counter, chef’s choice is the only choice – and that’s a good thing (they do cater to limited dietary requirements given in advance). Each course arrives with precision and poetry, whether it’s delicate, smokey eel spring rolls or Yuzu Chicken 'Ramen'. Bookings for each month are released around two months in advance, so definitely plan ahead for this spot.
4. Mezzalira (CBD)
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Best for: Long lunches, pre-theatre pasta
Open: Tuesday–Saturday
A stalwart of Canberra’s Italian scene, Mezzalira serves refined Roman fare in an Art Deco-styled corner of the city. Think Tortellini di Zucca, delicate Beef Carpaccio, and a cellar full of Aussie and Italian wines (with a couple of Spanish Sherry's to boot). Elegant without being stiff, this is a place to go for an unpretentious and delicious feed.
5. Wilma (CBD)
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Best for: Smoky flavours, big groups, serious cocktails
Open: Every day
Wilma is unapologetically bold – a modern Asian barbecue house where the meats are slow-roasted and the vibes are high. Fire is the throughline here, whether you’re diving into szechuan fried chicken or sipping negronis (the cocktail of choice here). The energy is contagious, the playlist loud, and the service sharp. Happy Hour begins at 4pm, daily – but there's also a late night happy hour from 10pm if you consider yourself a night owl.
6. Med (Barton)
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Best for: Summer dinners, sharing everything
Open: Wednesday–Sunday
As its name suggests, Med is a sun-drenched tribute to the Mediterranean – from Santorini to Sicily and everything in between. Small plates shine here: smoky Baba Ganoush, Turkish Dried Olives, Saganaki and Za’atar Fries. It’s light, vibrant, and perfect with a crisp glass of vermentino.
7. Dada (Phillip)
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Best for: Korean cravings, weekend feasts
Open: Tuesday–Saturday
Tucked away in Phillip, Dada delivers Korean BBQ with flair and finesse. The banchan is bountiful, the meats marbled and ready for the grill. With private booths and tabletop grills, it’s ideal for catching up with friends over Yuju Martinis and sizzling Striploin Steak.
8. Compa (CBD)
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Best for: Aperitivo hour, handmade pasta, family-style dining
Open: Every day
A love letter to Italy’s trattorias, Matt Moran's spot Compa keeps things casual but considered. The kitchen turns out pillowy “Cacio e pepe” mac n cheese, moreish COMPA cheese burgers, and a detailed steak menu for those who know exactly how they like it. And it's all best enjoyed with a cocktail in hand (their aperitivo hour runs from 3-5pm daily). Come for the food, stay for the playlist and warm service.
9. Bar Rochford (CBD)
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Best for: Natural wine, ambient lighting, post-gallery hangs
Open: Tuesday–Saturday
Hidden above an old Melbourne Building arcade, Bar Rochford is where locals go to wind down – or turn up. The moody interiors, eclectic record collection and constantly changing menu of wine bar staples (think Under Bakery Sourdough, Anchovy Toast, Appellation Oyster) make it a capital city favourite.
10. Lazy Su (Braddon)
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Best for: K-pop fans, crispy baos, good times
Open: Every day
Colourful, cheeky and always buzzing, Lazy Su brings a dose of neon energy to Braddon. Expect pan-Asian flavours with a playful twist – edameme dip, Agedashi gyoza, cheeseburger spring rolls – plus cocktails that lean fruity and fun. They also do a great Boozy Yum Cha every Saturday lunch.
11. Rebel Rebel (Acton)
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Best for: Day-to-night dining, taking a bottle home for later
Open: Every day
With its open kitchen, crisp interiors and focus on flavour-forward produce, Rebel Rebel is a breath of fresh air. Food might mean zuchinni flowers or confit duck, while libations offer up include salted lemonade, botanical liquers, and wines in abundance.
12. Les Bistronomes (Campbell)
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Best for: Date night decadence, French classics, caviar bumps
Open: Tuesday–Saturday
Classic technique meets modern charm at Les Bistronomes. This is the place for foie gras, duck à l'orange, and a Cointreau-flamed crème brulée that will linger in your dreams. Service is polished, and the wine list leans French – naturellement.
13. Grazing (Gundaroo)
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Best for: Weekend road trips, long lunches in the countryside
Open: Thursday–Sunday
Housed in a restored 1865 pub, Grazing is a destination restaurant in every sense. It's a little out of town – but not far enough that it's a bother (about 40 mins from the CBD). It’s all about paddock-to-plate excellence, with seasonal menus showcasing the best of the region. Book a long table, settle in, and let the countryside charm do its thing.
14. Raku (CBD)
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Best for: Power lunches, after-work sushi, coeliacs
Open: Every day
Sleek, stylish, and always packed, Raku delivers contemporary Japanese in the heart of the city. The sushi is hand-rolled to order, the robata grill always firing, and the cocktails clean and citrusy. Whether you sit at the counter or cosy up in a booth, it’s a reliable favourite.
15. OTIS Dining Hall (Kingston)
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Best for: Impressive dates, truffle lovers
Open: Tuesday–Saturday
OTIS on Jardine Street is all about richness and restraint. Think hand-rolled gnocchi, peppery steaks, and decadent desserts. The interiors are are a moody setting – warm and intimate – perfect for deep winter evenings or celebratory dinners.
16. The Boat House (Barton)
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Best for: Waterfront views, proposals, special occasions
Open: Thursday–Sunday
Set on the banks of Lake Burley Griffin, The Boat House is a Canberran icon. With floor-to-ceiling windows and a fine-dining menu that celebrates native ingredients, this is our pick for the special occassions and impress-your-in-laws dinners. Come for golden hour, stay for the wine pairings.
